Iran’s new Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed the necessity of inviting Syria which he described as Iraq’s major neighbor to the summit, welcoming every regional initiative presented by Iraq.

"We are in constant contact and consultation with the Syrian leadership regarding security and sustainable development in the region, and we will have direct talks with Damascus regarding the Baghdad summit”, the top Iranian diplomat added.

He also overstretched the role of regional countries in any future regional initiative.

Amir-Abdollahian said that the Baghdad conference confirms Iraq's efforts in spreading cooperation between the countries of the region.

He added, in a speech in Arabic, that Iran was one of the first countries in the region to recognize the new Iraq. He pointed out that his country has contributed to the development of economic and trade relations with Iraq, revealing that the volume of trade exchange reached $300 billion over the past years.

The Iranian Minister indicated that Iraq has been greatly affected by the emergence of terrorist groups, stressing that Iran was quick to extend a helping hand to Iraq in the fight against terrorism, and has spared no effort in this regard.

He also pointed out that the countries of the region, especially Syria, have a role in supporting the stability of Iraq, mentioning that Iran welcomes Iraq's role in spreading dialogue.

Amir-Abdollahian accused Washington of committing a major crime in the assassination of the martyrs Soleimani and Al-Muhandis.

Hours ago, the Minister visited the site of the martyrdom of Lieutenant-General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis at Baghdad International Airport.

Earlier this month, Iran’s new President Ibrahim Raisi was officially invited to attend the summit during a visit by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to Tehran.

In a related context, Mustafa Al-Khadimi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening at Baghdad International Airport. 

The Prime Minister's media office confirmed that a number of Presidents and Kings will participate along with Macron. The conference is being held today, Saturday, and along with international organizations, includes the Egyptian President, the Jordanian King, the Emir of Qatar, and the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia. 

Reliable sources told Al Mayadeen that "the Lebanese issue will be vitally represented for discussion among the delegations, and France may re-launch its initiative on Lebanon."